Today was tough, I am not going to sugar coat it. I think I am doing okay and then a wave of heavy settles in. I have to concentrate that much harder and I check and recheck myself. And then I make a mistake. Rarely do I make one I can’t fix and I am always grateful when I find out sooner than later. But, I beat myself up . My motto has always been ” you can’t call yourself a professional until you know how to fix your own mistakes”. Well, I was a Pro today… enough said.
I took on another’s pain today. It is the challenge of empathy. In order to help those I love most I must lay myself open to take some of what they are feeling. It is a deep connection but I have to quickly recognize what is mine and what is their’s, separate and compartmentalize to survive.
I took a break in the day, as it seemed to be starting to rain, to mow the side yard where I wanted to move the pool to. It was in a spot that was on too much of a lean and the water was slimey from pollen so I drained it into my flower beds which seem happier for it. Good thing I hadn’t added chemicals.
Once I was done my 8 hours booked time I started filling the pool in the new location. It has only a slight slant so should be much better. I was thrilled when Diane called to invite me to dinner, cake and firepit for Aiden’s 16th birthday. He is a great kid and I have had fun with him as my crib partner in the past. I don’t expect much relationship with a teenaged boy but honestly he is such a treat to chat and joke with and has a firm eye contact and very pleasant demeanor. His Mom was also there and it was lovely to meet her and see another family that works hard to do family right even after divorce. Those 2 parents and step-mom have done a great job-share. I joked when I gave him his present that I knew his parents must be fighting over who should give him a car for his birthday so I took the pressure off. I presented him with a model kit of the Stephen King car, Christine. He has never done a model before and I truly hope he does it and enjoys it as much as I used to.
Heidi and Aidan 
Diane 
Zoë did my hair 
And his birthday cake was Tiramisu!! Need I say more. (yes I came home with some for breakfast!)
triumphgal 